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MN ST § 260C.212

 

M.S.A. § 260C.212

Minnesota Statutes Annotated Currentness
Public Welfare and Related Activities (Ch. 245-267)
Chapter 260C. Child Protection
Disposition

260C.212. Children in placement

Subdivision 1. Out-of-home placement; plan. (a) An out-of-home placement plan shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in foster care by court order or a voluntary placement agreement between the responsible social services agency and the child's parent pursuant to subdivision 8 or chapter 260D.

(b) An out-of-home placement plan means a written document which is prepared by the responsible social services agency jointly with the parent or parents or guardian of the child and in consultation with the child's guardian ad litem, the child's tribe, if the child is an Indian child, the child's foster parent or representative of the residential facility, and, where appropriate, the child. For a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, preparation of the out-of-home placement plan shall additionally include the child's mental health treatment provider. As appropriate, the plan shall be:

(1) submitted to the court for approval under section 260C.178, subdivision 7;

(2) ordered by the court, either as presented or modified after hearing, under section 260C.178, subdivision 7, or 260C.201, subdivision 6; and

(3) signed by the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child's guardian ad litem, a representative of the child's tribe, the responsible social services agency, and, if possible, the child.

(c) The out-of-home placement plan shall be explained to all persons involved in its implementation, including the child who has signed the plan, and shall set forth:

(1) a description of the residential facility including how the out-of-home placement plan is designed to achieve a safe placement for the child in the least restrictive, most family-like, setting available which is in close proximity to the home of the parent or parents or guardian of the child when the case plan goal is reunification, and how the placement is consistent with the best interests and special needs of the child according to the factors under subdivision 2, paragraph (b);

(2) the specific reasons for the placement of the child in a residential facility, and when reunification is the plan, a description of the problems or conditions in the home of the parent or parents which necessitated removal of the child from home and the changes the parent or parents must make in order for the child to safely return home;

(3) a description of the services offered and provided to prevent removal of the child from the home and to reunify the family including:

(i) the specific actions to be taken by the parent or parents of the child to eliminate or correct the problems or conditions identified in clause (2), and the time period during which the actions are to be taken; and

(ii) the reasonable efforts, or in the case of an Indian child, active efforts to be made to achieve a safe and stable home for the child including social and other supportive services to be provided or offered to the parent or parents or guardian of the child, the child, and the residential facility during the period the child is in the residential facility;

(4) a description of any services or resources that were requested by the child or the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, or custodian since the date of the child's placement in the residential facility, and whether those services or resources were provided and if not, the basis for the denial of the services or resources;

(5) the visitation plan for the parent or parents or guardian, other relatives as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 27, and siblings of the child if the siblings are not placed together in foster care, and whether visitation is consistent with the best interest of the child, during the period the child is in foster care;

(6) documentation of steps to finalize the adoption or legal guardianship of the child if the court has issued an order terminating the rights of both parents of the child or of the only known, living parent of the child. At a minimum, the documentation must include child-specific recruitment efforts such as relative search and the use of state, regional, and national adoption exchanges to facilitate orderly and timely placements in and outside of the state. A copy of this documentation shall be provided to the court in the review required under section 260C.317, subdivision 3, paragraph (b);

(7) efforts to ensure the child's educational stability while in foster care, including:

(i) efforts to ensure that the child in placement remains in the same school in which the child was enrolled prior to placement, including efforts to work with the local education authorities to ensure the child's educational stability; or

(ii) if it is not in the child's best interest to remain in the same school that the child was enrolled in prior to placement, efforts to ensure immediate and appropriate enrollment for the child in a new school;

(8) the educational records of the child including the most recent information available regarding:

(i) the names and addresses of the child's educational providers;

(ii) the child's grade level performance;

(iii) the child's school record;

(iv) a statement about how the child's placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement; and

(v) any other relevant educational information;

(9) the efforts by the local agency to ensure the oversight and continuity of health care services for the foster child, including:

(i) the plan to schedule the child's initial health screens;

(ii) how the child's known medical problems and identified needs from the screens, including any known communicable diseases, as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2, will be monitored and treated while the child is in foster care;

(iii) how the child's medical information will be updated and shared, including the child's immunizations;

(iv) who is responsible to coordinate and respond to the child's health care needs, including the role of the parent, the agency, and the foster parent;

(v) who is responsible for oversight of the child's prescription medications;

(vi) how physicians or other appropriate medical and nonmedical professionals will be consulted and involved in assessing the health and well-being of the child and determine the appropriate medical treatment for the child; and

(vii) the responsibility to ensure that the child has access to medical care through either medical insurance or medical assistance;

(10) the health records of the child including information available regarding:

(i) the names and addresses of the child's health care and dental care providers;

(ii) a record of the child's immunizations;

(iii) the child's known medical problems, including any known communicable diseases as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2;

(iv) the child's medications; and

(v) any other relevant health care information such as the child's eligibility for medical insurance or medical assistance;

(11) an independent living plan for a child age 16 or older who is in placement as a result of a permanency disposition. The plan should include, but not be limited to, the following objectives:

(i) educational, vocational, or employment planning;

(ii) health care planning and medical coverage;

(iii) transportation including, where appropriate, assisting the child in obtaining a driver's license;

(iv) money management;

(v) planning for housing;

(vi) social and recreational skills; and

(vii) establishing and maintaining connections with the child's family and community; and

(12) for a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, diagnostic and assessment information, specific services relating to meeting the mental health care needs of the child, and treatment outcomes.

(d) The parent or parents or guardian and the child each shall have the right to legal counsel in the preparation of the case plan and shall be informed of the right at the time of placement of the child. The child shall also have the right to a guardian ad litem. If unable to employ counsel from their own resources, the court shall appoint counsel upon the request of the parent or parents or the child or the child's legal guardian. The parent or parents may also receive assistance from any person or social services agency in preparation of the case plan.

After the plan has been agreed upon by the parties involved or approved or ordered by the court, the foster parents shall be fully informed of the provisions of the case plan and shall be provided a copy of the plan.

Upon discharge from foster care, the parent, adoptive parent, or permanent legal and physical custodian, as appropriate, and the child, if appropriate, must be provided with a current copy of the child's health and education record.

Subd. 2. Placement decisions based on best interest of the child. (a) The policy of the state of Minnesota is to ensure that the child's best interests are met by requiring an individualized determination of the needs of the child and of how the selected placement will serve the needs of the child being placed. The authorized child-placing agency shall place a child, released by court order or by voluntary release by the parent or parents, in a family foster home selected by considering placement with relatives and important friends in the following order:

(1) with an individual who is related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption; or

(2) with an individual who is an important friend with whom the child has resided or had significant contact.

(b) Among the factors the agency shall consider in determining the needs of the child are the following:

(1) the child's current functioning and behaviors;

(2) the medical, educational, and developmental needs of the child;

(3) the child's history and past experience;

(4) the child's religious and cultural needs;

(5) the child's connection with a community, school, and faith community;

(6) the child's interests and talents;

(7) the child's relationship to current caretakers, parents, siblings, and relatives; and

(8) the reasonable preference of the child, if the court, or the child-placing agency in the case of a voluntary placement, deems the child to be of sufficient age to express preferences.

(c) Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on race, color, or national origin of the foster parent or the child.

(d) Siblings should be placed together for foster care and adoption at the earliest possible time unless it is documented that a joint placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings or unless it is not possible after reasonable efforts by the responsible social services agency. In cases where siblings cannot be placed together, the agency is required to provide frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between siblings unless the agency documents that the interaction would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings.

(e) Except for emergency placement as provided for in section 245A.035, a completed background study is required under section 245C.08 before the approval of a foster placement in a related or unrelated home.

Subd. 3. Limit on multiple placements. If a child has been placed in a residential facility pursuant to a court order under section 260C.178 or 260C.201, the social services agency responsible for the residential facility placement for the child may not change the child's placement unless the agency specifically documents that the current placement is unsuitable or another placement is in the best interests of the child. This subdivision does not apply if the new placement is in an adoptive home or other permanent placement.

Subd. 4. Agency responsibilities for parents and children in placement. (a) When a child is in foster care, the responsible social services agency shall make diligent efforts to identify, locate, and, where appropriate, offer services to both parents of the child.

(1) The responsible social services agency shall assess whether a noncustodial or nonadjudicated parent is willing and capable of providing for the day-to-day care of the child temporarily or permanently. An assessment under this clause may include, but is not limited to, obtaining information under section 260C.209. If after assessment, the responsible social services agency determines that a noncustodial or nonadjudicated parent is willing and capable of providing day-to-day care of the child, the responsible social services agency may seek authority from the custodial parent or the court to have that parent assume day-to-day care of the child. If a parent is not an adjudicated parent, the responsible social services agency shall require the nonadjudicated parent to cooperate with paternity establishment procedures as part of the case plan.

(2) If, after assessment, the responsible social services agency determines that the child cannot be in the day-to-day care of either parent, the agency shall:

(i) prepare an out-of-home placement plan addressing the conditions that each parent must meet before the child can be in that parent's day-to-day care; and

(ii) provide a parent who is the subject of a background study under section 260C.209 15 days' notice that it intends to use the study to recommend against putting the child with that parent, and the court shall afford the parent an opportunity to be heard concerning the study.

The results of a background study of a noncustodial parent shall not be used by the agency to determine that the parent is incapable of providing day-to-day care of the child unless the agency reasonably believes that placement of the child into the home of that parent would endanger the child's health, safety, or welfare.

(3) If, after the provision of services following an out-of-home placement plan under this section, the child cannot return to the care of the parent from whom the child was removed or who had legal custody at the time the child was placed in foster care, the agency may petition on behalf of a noncustodial parent to establish legal custody with that parent under section 260C.201, subdivision 11. If paternity has not already been established, it may be established in the same proceeding in the manner provided for under chapter 257.

(4) The responsible social services agency may be relieved of the requirement to locate and offer services to both parents by the juvenile court upon a finding of good cause after the filing of a petition under section 260C.141.

(b) The responsible social services agency shall give notice to the parent or guardian of each child in foster care, other than a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D, of the following information:

(1) that the child's placement in foster care may result in termination of parental rights or an order permanently placing the child out of the custody of the parent, but only after notice and a hearing as required under chapter 260C and the juvenile court rules;

(2) time limits on the length of placement and of reunification services, including the date on which the child is expected to be returned to and safely maintained in the home of the parent or parents or placed for adoption or otherwise permanently removed from the care of the parent by court order;

(3) the nature of the services available to the parent;

(4) the consequences to the parent and the child if the parent fails or is unable to use services to correct the circumstances that led to the child's placement;

(5) the first consideration for placement with relatives;

(6) the benefit to the child in getting the child out of foster care as soon as possible, preferably by returning the child home, but if that is not possible, through a permanent legal placement of the child away from the parent;

(7) when safe for the child, the benefits to the child and the parent of maintaining visitation with the child as soon as possible in the course of the case and, in any event, according to the visitation plan under this section; and

(8) the financial responsibilities and obligations, if any, of the parent or parents for the support of the child during the period the child is in foster care.

(c) The responsible social services agency shall inform a parent considering voluntary placement of a child under subdivision 8, of the following information:

(1) the parent and the child each has a right to separate legal counsel before signing a voluntary placement agreement, but not to counsel appointed at public expense;

(2) the parent is not required to agree to the voluntary placement, and a parent who enters a voluntary placement agreement may at any time request that the agency return the child. If the parent so requests, the child must be returned within 24 hours of the receipt of the request;

(3) evidence gathered during the time the child is voluntarily placed may be used at a later time as the basis for a petition alleging that the child is in need of protection or services or as the basis for a petition seeking termination of parental rights or other permanent placement of the child away from the parent;

(4) if the responsible social services agency files a petition alleging that the child is in need of protection or services or a petition seeking the termination of parental rights or other permanent placement of the child away from the parent, the parent would have the right to appointment of separate legal counsel and the child would have a right to the appointment of counsel and a guardian ad litem as provided by law, and that counsel will be appointed at public expense if they are unable to afford counsel; and

(5) the timelines and procedures for review of voluntary placements under subdivision 3, and the effect the time spent in voluntary placement on the scheduling of a permanent placement determination hearing under section 260C. 201, subdivision 11.

(d) When an agency accepts a child for placement, the agency shall determine whether the child has had a physical examination by or under the direction of a licensed physician within the 12 months immediately preceding the date when the child came into the agency's care. If there is documentation that the child has had an examination within the last 12 months, the agency is responsible for seeing that the child has another physical examination within one year of the documented examination and annually in subsequent years. If the agency determines that the child has not had a physical examination within the 12 months immediately preceding placement, the agency shall ensure that the child has an examination within 30 days of coming into the agency's care and once a year in subsequent years.

(e) Whether under state guardianship or not, if a child leaves foster care by reason of having attained the age of majority under state law, the child must be given at no cost a copy of the child's social and medical history, as defined in section 259.43, and education report.

Subd. 4a. Monthly caseworker visits. (a) Every child in foster care or on a trial home visit shall be visited by the child's caseworker or another person who has responsibility for visitation of the child on a monthly basis, with the majority of visits occurring in the child's residence. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) "visit" is defined as a face-to-face contact between a child and the child's caseworker;

(2) "visited on a monthly basis" is defined as at least one visit per calendar month;

(3) "the child's caseworker" is defined as the person who has responsibility for managing the child's foster care placement case as assigned by the responsible social service agency; and

(4) "the child's residence" is defined as the home where the child is residing, and can include the foster home, child care institution, or the home from which the child was removed if the child is on a trial home visit.

(b) Caseworker visits shall be of sufficient substance and duration to address issues pertinent to case planning and service delivery to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of the child, including whether the child is enrolled and attending school as required by law.

Subd. 5. Relative search. (a) The responsible social services agency shall exercise due diligence to identify and notify adult relatives prior to placement or within 30 days after the child's removal from the parent. The county agency shall consider placement with a relative under subdivision 2 without delay. The relative search required by this section shall be reasonable and comprehensive in scope and may last up to six months or until a fit and willing relative is identified. The relative search required by this section shall include both maternal relatives of the child and paternal relatives of the child, if paternity is adjudicated. The relatives must be notified:

(1) of the need for a foster home for the child, the option to become a placement resource for the child, and the possibility of the need for a permanent placement for the child;

(2) of their responsibility to keep the responsible social services agency informed of their current address in order to receive notice in the event that a permanent placement is sought for the child. A relative who fails to provide a current address to the responsible social services agency forfeits the right to notice of the possibility of permanent placement. A decision by a relative not to be a placement resource at the beginning of the case shall not affect whether the relative is considered for placement of the child with that relative later;

(3) that the relative may participate in the care and planning for the child, including that the opportunity for such participation may be lost by failing to respond to the notice; and

(4) of the family foster care licensing requirements, including how to complete an application and how to request a variance from licensing standards that do not present a safety or health risk to the child in the home under section 245A.04 and supports that are available for relatives and children who reside in a family foster home.

(b) A responsible social services agency may disclose private or confidential data, as defined in section 13.02, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating a suitable placement. The agency shall disclose only data that is necessary to facilitate possible placement with relatives. If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information sufficient to identify the maternal and paternal relatives of the child, the agency shall ask the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information. If a parent makes an explicit request that relatives or a specific relative not be contacted or considered for placement, the agency shall bring the parent's request to the attention of the court to determine whether the parent's request is consistent with the best interests of the child and the agency shall not contact relatives or a specific relative unless authorized to do so by the juvenile court.

(c) When the placing agency determines that a permanent placement hearing is necessary because there is a likelihood that the child will not return to a parent's care, the agency may send the notice provided in paragraph (d), may ask the court to modify the requirements of the agency under this paragraph, or may ask the court to completely relieve the agency of the requirements of this paragraph. The relative notification requirements of this paragraph do not apply when the child is placed with an appropriate relative or a foster home that has committed to being the permanent legal placement for the child and the agency approves of that foster home for permanent placement of the child. The actions ordered by the court under this section must be consistent with the best interests, safety, and welfare of the child.

(d) Unless required under the Act [FN1] or relieved of this duty by the court under paragraph (c), when the agency determines that it is necessary to prepare for the permanent placement determination hearing, or in anticipation of filing a termination of parental rights petition, the agency shall send notice to the relatives, any adult with whom the child is currently residing, any adult with whom the child has resided for one year or longer in the past, and any adults who have maintained a relationship or exercised visitation with the child as identified in the agency case plan. The notice must state that a permanent home is sought for the child and that the individuals receiving the notice may indicate to the agency their interest in providing a permanent home. The notice must state that within 30 days of receipt of the notice an individual receiving the notice must indicate to the agency the individual's interest in providing a permanent home for the child or that the individual may lose the opportunity to be considered for a permanent placement.

(e) The Department of Human Services shall develop a best practices guide and specialized staff training to assist the responsible social services agency in performing and complying with the relative search requirements under this subdivision.

Subd. 6. Change in placement. If a child is removed from a permanent placement disposition authorized under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, within one year after the placement was made:

(1) the child must be returned to the residential facility where the child was placed immediately preceding the permanent placement; or

(2) the court shall hold a hearing within ten days after the child is removed from the permanent placement to determine where the child is to be placed. A guardian ad litem must be appointed for the child for this hearing.

Subd. 7. Administrative or court review of placements. (a) There shall be an administrative review of the out-of-home placement plan of each child placed in foster care no later than 180 days after the initial placement of the child in foster care and at least every six months thereafter if the child is not returned to the home of the parent or parents within that time. The out-of-home placement plan must be monitored and updated at each administrative review. The administrative review shall be conducted by the responsible social services agency using a panel of appropriate persons at least one of whom is not responsible for the case management of, or the delivery of services to, either the child or the parents who are the subject of the review. The administrative review shall be open to participation by the parent or guardian of the child and the child, as appropriate.

(b) As an alternative to the administrative review required in paragraph (a), the court may, as part of any hearing required under the Minnesota Rules of Juvenile Protection Procedure, conduct a hearing to monitor and update the out-of-home placement plan pursuant to the procedure and standard in section 260C.201, subdivision 6, paragraph (d). The party requesting review of the out-of-home placement plan shall give parties to the proceeding notice of the request to review and update the out-of-home placement plan. A court review conducted pursuant to section 260C.193; 260C.201, subdivision 1 or 11; 260C.141, subdivision 2; 260C.317; or 260D.06 shall satisfy the requirement for the review so long as the other requirements of this section are met.

(c) As appropriate to the stage of the proceedings and relevant court orders, the responsible social services agency or the court shall review:

(1) the safety, permanency needs, and well-being of the child;

(2) the continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the placement;

(3) the extent of compliance with the out-of-home placement plan;

(4) the extent of progress which has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement in foster care;

(5) the projected date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the home or placed permanently away from the care of the parent or parents or guardian; and

(6) the appropriateness of the services provided to the child.

(d) When a child is age 16 or older, in addition to any administrative review conducted by the agency, at the in-court review required under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or 260C.317, subdivision 3, clause (3), the court shall review the independent living plan required under subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (11), and the provision of services to the child related to the well-being of the child as the child prepares to leave foster care. The review shall include the actual plans related to each item in the plan necessary to the child's future safety and well-being when the child is no longer in foster care.

(1) At the court review, the responsible social services agency shall establish that it has given the notice required under section 260C.456 or Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0660, regarding the right to continued access to services for certain children in foster care past age 18 and of the right to appeal a denial of social services under section 256.045. If the agency is unable to establish that the notice, including the right to appeal a denial of social services, has been given, the court shall require the agency to give it.

(2) Consistent with the requirements of the independent living plan, the court shall review progress toward or accomplishment of the following goals:

(i) the child has obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(ii) the child has completed a driver's education course or has demonstrated the ability to use public transportation in the child's community;

(iii) the child is employed or enrolled in postsecondary education;

(iv) the child has applied for and obtained postsecondary education financial aid for which the child is eligible;

(v) the child has health care coverage and health care providers to meet the child's physical and mental health needs;

(vi) the child has applied for and obtained disability income assistance for which the child is eligible;

(vii) the child has obtained affordable housing with necessary supports, which does not include a homeless shelter;

(viii) the child has saved sufficient funds to pay for the first month's rent and a damage deposit;

(ix) the child has an alternative affordable housing plan, which does not include a homeless shelter, if the original housing plan is unworkable;

(x) the child, if male, has registered for the Selective Service; and

(xi) the child has a permanent connection to a caring adult.

(3) The court shall ensure that the responsible agency in conjunction with the placement provider assists the child in obtaining the following documents prior to the child's leaving foster care: a Social Security card; the child's birth certificate; a state identification card or driver's license, green card, or school visa; the child's school, medical, and dental records; a contact list of the child's medical, dental, and mental health providers; and contact information for the child's siblings, if the siblings are in foster care.

(e) When a child is age 17 or older, during the 90-day period immediately prior to the date the child is expected to be discharged from foster care, the responsible social services agency is required to provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan that is personalized at the direction of the child. The transition plan must be as detailed as the child may elect and include specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services. The county shall also provide the individual with appropriate contact information if the individual needs more information or needs help dealing with a crisis situation through age 21.

Subd. 8. Voluntary foster care; required court review. When the responsible social services agency and the child's parent or guardian agree that the child's safety, health, and best interests require that the child be in foster care, the agency and the parent or guardian may enter into a voluntary agreement for the placement of the child in foster care. The voluntary agreement must be in writing and in a form approved by the commissioner. When the child has been placed in foster care pursuant to a voluntary foster care agreement between the agency and the parent, under this subdivision and the child is not returned home within 90 days after initial placement in foster care, the agency responsible for the child's placement in foster care shall:

(1) return the child to the home of the parent or parents; or

(2) file a petition according to section 260C.141, subdivision 1 or 2, which may:

(i) ask the court to review the child's placement in foster care and approve it as continued voluntary foster care for up to an additional 90 days;

(ii) ask the court to order continued foster care according to sections 260C.178 and 260C.201; or

(iii) ask the court to terminate parental rights under section 260C.301.

The out-of-home placement plan must be updated and filed along with the petition.

If the court approves continuing the child in foster care for up to 90 more days on a voluntary basis, at the end of the court-approved 90-day period, the child must be returned to the parent's home. If the child is not returned home, the responsible social services agency must proceed on the petition filed alleging the child in need of protection or services or the petition for termination of parental rights or other permanent placement of the child away from the parent. The court must find a statutory basis to order the placement of the child under section 260C.178; 260C.201; or 260C.317.

Subd. 9. Repealed by Laws 2008, c. 361, art. 6, § 59, par. (c), eff. Aug. 1, 2008

Subd. 10. Rules; children in residential facilities. The commissioner of human services shall promulgate all rules necessary to carry out the provisions of Public Law 96-272 [FN2] as regards the establishment of a state goal for the reduction of the number of children in residential facilities beyond 24 months.

Subd. 11. Rules; family and group foster care. The commissioner shall:

(1) require that, as a condition of licensure, foster care providers attend training on understanding and validating the cultural heritage of all children in their care, and on the importance of the Act, United States Code, title 25, sections 1901 to 1923, and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, sections 260.751 to 260.835;

(2) review and, where necessary, revise foster care rules to reflect sensitivity to cultural diversity and differing lifestyles. Specifically, the commissioner shall examine whether space and other requirements discriminate against single-parent, minority, or low-income families who may be able to provide quality foster care reflecting the values of their own respective cultures; and

(3) relieve relative foster care providers of the requirements promulgated as a result of clauses (1) and (2) when the safety of the child is not jeopardized and as allowed under federal law.

Subd. 12. Fair hearing review. Any person whose claim for foster care payment pursuant to the placement of a child resulting from a child protection assessment under section 626.556 is denied or not acted upon with reasonable promptness may appeal the decision under section 256.045, subdivision 3.

CREDIT(S)

Laws 1999, c. 139, art. 3, § 26. Amended by Laws 1999, c. 139, art. 4, § 2; Laws 2001, c. 178, art. 1, §§ 25 to 31, 44; Laws 2002, c. 290, § 2; Laws 2004, c. 288, art. 3, § 30; Laws 2005, c. 56, § 1; Laws 2005, c. 98, art. 3, § 21; Laws 2005, c. 136, art. 15, § 7; Laws 2005, c. 165, art. 2, § 6, eff. June 4, 2005; Laws 2007, c. 147, art. 1, §§ 19 to 21, eff. July 1, 2007; Laws 2007, c. 147, art. 3, § 30, eff. July 1, 2007; Laws 2008, c. 361, art. 6, §§ 37 to 41, eff. Aug. 1, 2008; Laws 2009, c. 106, § 1, eff. Aug. 1, 2009; Laws 2009, c. 163, art. 1, §§ 5, 6, eff. Aug. 1, 2009; Laws 2009, c. 163, art. 2, §§ 31 to 35, eff. Aug. 1, 2009; Laws 2009, c. 174, art. 1, §§ 8, 9, eff. Aug. 1, 2009; Laws c. 269, art. 3, § 7, eff. Aug. 1, ; Laws c. 301, art. 3, § 8, eff. Aug. 1, ; Laws c. 382, § 52, eff. Aug. 1, .

[FN1] 25 U.S.C.A. §§ 1901 to 1923.

[FN2] Public Law Number 96-272, the adoption assistance and child welfare act of 1980, was coded in part in 42 U.S.C.A. § 602 et seq., and 42 U.S.C.A. § 1305 et seq.

HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES

2007 Main Volume

Derivation:
Laws 1999, c. 245, art. 8, §§ 19 to 25, 85, 86.
St.1998, § 257.071.
Laws 1998, c. 407, art. 9, § 11.
Laws 1998, c. 406, art. 1, § 11.
Laws 1997, c. 239, art. 6, §§ 3 to 7.
Laws 1997, c. 107, § 14.
Laws 1997, c. 86, §§ 1, 2.
Laws 1996, c. 416, §§ 3 to 5.
Laws 1994, c. 598, § 3.
Laws 1993, 1st Sp., c. 6, § 16.
Laws 1993, c. 291, §§ 2 to 6.
Laws 1992, c. 557, § 2.
Laws 1992, c. 464, art. 1, § 55.
Laws 1991, c. 292, art. 3, § 19.
Laws 1990, c. 426, art. 2, § 1.
Laws 1989, c. 282, art. 2, § 160.
Laws 1988, c. 689, art. 2, §§ 211 to 214, 269, subd. 1.
Laws 1988, c. 514, §§ 1, 2.
Laws 1986, c. 444.
Laws 1984, c. 654, art. 5, § 58.
Laws 1983, c. 278, §§ 3 to 5.
Laws 1982, c. 553, § 2.
Laws 1981, c. 290, §§ 1 to 3.
Laws 1980, c. 580, § 2.
Laws 1980, c. 555, §§ 1, 2.
Laws 1978, c. 602, § 1.

Laws 1999, c. 139, art. 4, § 2, par. (b), in part directed the revisor of statutes to correct cross references in Minnesota Statutes to sections that were repealed and recodified by Laws 1999, c. 139.

Laws 2001, c. 178, art. 1, §§ 25 to 31, rewrote subds. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9, which formerly read:

"Subdivision 1. Placement; plan. (a) A case plan shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in a residential facility by court order or by the voluntary release of the child by the parent or parents.

"For purposes of this section, a residential facility means any group home, family foster home or other publicly supported out-of-home residential facility, including any out-of-home residential facility under contract with the state, county or other political subdivision, or any agency thereof, to provide those services or foster care as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 9.

"(b) When a child is in placement, the responsible local social services agency shall make diligent efforts to identify, locate, and, where appropriate, offer services to both parents of the child. If a noncustodial or nonadjudicated parent is willing and capable of providing for the day-to-day care of the child, the local social services agency may seek authority from the custodial parent or the court to have that parent assume day-to-day care of the child. If a parent is not an adjudicated parent, the local social services agency shall require the nonadjudicated parent to cooperate with paternity establishment procedures as part of the case plan.

"(c) If, after assessment, the local social services agency determines that the child cannot be in the day-to-day care of either parent, the agency shall prepare a case plan addressing the conditions that each parent must mitigate before the child could be in that parent's day-to-day care.

"(d) If, after the provision of services following a case plan under this section and ordered by the juvenile court, the child cannot return to the care of the parent from whom the child was removed or who had legal custody at the time the child was placed in foster care, the agency may petition on behalf of a noncustodial parent to establish legal custody with that parent under section 260C.201, subdivision 11. If paternity has not already been established, it may be established in the same proceeding in the manner provided for under this chapter.

"The responsible social services agency may be relieved of the requirement to locate and offer services to both parents by the juvenile court upon a finding of good cause after the filing of a petition under section 260B.141 or 260C.141.

"(e) For the purposes of this section, a case plan means a written document which is ordered by the court or which is prepared by the social services agency responsible for the residential facility placement and is signed by the parent or parents, or other custodian, of the child, the child's legal guardian, the social services agency responsible for the residential facility placement, and, if possible, the child. The document shall be explained to all persons involved in its implementation, including the child who has signed the document, and shall set forth:

"(1) The specific reasons for the placement of the child in a residential facility, including a description of the problems or conditions in the home of the parent or parents which necessitated removal of the child from home;

"(2) The specific actions to be taken by the parent or parents of the child to eliminate or correct the problems or conditions identified in clause (1), and the time period during which the actions are to be taken;

"(3) The financial responsibilities and obligations, if any, of the parents for the support of the child during the period the child is in the residential facility;

"(4) The visitation rights and obligations of the parent or parents or other relatives as defined in section 260C.193, if such visitation is consistent with the best interest of the child, during the period the child is in the residential facility;

"(5) The social and other supportive services to be provided to the parent or parents of the child, the child, and the residential facility during the period the child is in the residential facility;

"(6) the date on which the child is expected to be returned to and safely maintained in the home of the parent or parents or placed for adoption or otherwise permanently removed from the care of the parent by court order;

"(7) the nature of the effort to be made by the social services agency responsible for the placement to reunite the family;

"(8) notice to the parent or parents:

"(i) that placement of the child in foster care may result in termination of parental rights but only after notice and a hearing as provided in chapter 260; and

"(ii) in cases where the agency has determined that both reasonable efforts to reunify the child with the parents, and reasonable efforts to place the child in a permanent home away from the parent that may become legally permanent are appropriate, notice of:

"(A) time limits on the length of placement and of reunification services;

"(B) the nature of the services available to the parent;

"(C) the consequences to the parent and the child if the parent fails or is unable to use services to correct the circumstances that led to the child's placement;

"(D) the first consideration for relative placement; and

"(E) the benefit to the child in getting the child out of residential care as soon as possible, preferably by returning the child home, but if that is not possible, through a permanent legal placement of the child away from the parent;

"(9) a permanency hearing under section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or a termination of parental rights hearing under sections 260C.301 to 260C.328, where the agency asks the court to find that the child should be permanently placed away from the parent and includes documentation of the steps taken by the responsible social services agency to find an adoptive family or other permanent legal placement for the child, to place the child with an adoptive family, a fit and willing relative through an award of permanent legal and physical custody, or in another planned and permanent legal placement. The documentation must include child specific recruitment efforts; and

"(10) if the court has issued an order terminating the rights of both parents of the child or of the only known, living parent of the child, documentation of steps to finalize the adoption or legal guardianship of the child.

"(f) The parent or parents and the child each shall have the right to legal counsel in the preparation of the case plan and shall be informed of the right at the time of placement of the child. The child shall also have the right to a guardian ad litem. If unable to employ counsel from their own resources, the court shall appoint counsel upon the request of the parent or parents or the child or the child's legal guardian. The parent or parents may also receive assistance from any person or social services agency in preparation of the case plan.

"After the plan has been agreed upon by the parties involved, the foster parents shall be fully informed of the provisions of the case plan and shall be provided a copy of the plan.

"(g) When an agency accepts a child for placement, the agency shall determine whether the child has had a physical examination by or under the direction of a licensed physician within the 12 months immediately preceding the date when the child came into the agency's care. If there is documentation that the child has had such an examination within the last 12 months, the agency is responsible for seeing that the child has another physical examination within one year of the documented examination and annually in subsequent years. If the agency determines that the child has not had a physical examination within the 12 months immediately preceding placement, the agency shall ensure that the child has the examination within 30 days of coming into the agency's care and once a year in subsequent years.

"Subd. 2. Placement decisions based on best interest of the child. (a) The policy of the state of Minnesota is to ensure that the child's best interests are met by requiring an individualized determination of the needs of the child and of how the selected placement will serve the needs of the child being placed. The authorized child-placing agency shall place a child, released by court order or by voluntary release by the parent or parents, in a family foster home selected by considering placement with relatives and important friends consistent with section 260C.193, subdivision 3.

"(b) Among the factors the agency shall consider in determining the needs of the child are those specified under section 260C.193, subdivision 3, paragraph (b).

"(c) Placement of a child cannot be delayed or denied based on race, color, or national origin of the foster parent or the child. Siblings should be placed together for foster care and adoption at the earliest possible time unless it is determined not to be in the best interests of a sibling or unless it is not possible after appropriate efforts by the responsible social services agency."

"Subd. 4. Notice before voluntary placement. The local social services agency shall inform a parent considering voluntary placement of a child who is not developmentally disabled or emotionally handicapped of the following:

"(1) the parent and the child each has a right to separate legal counsel before signing a voluntary placement agreement, but not to counsel appointed at public expense;

"(2) the parent is not required to agree to the voluntary placement, and a parent who enters a voluntary placement agreement may at any time request that the agency return the child. If the parent so requests, the child must be returned within 24 hours of the receipt of the request;

"(3) evidence gathered during the time the child is voluntarily placed may be used at a later time as the basis for a petition alleging that the child is in need of protection or services or as the basis for a petition seeking termination of parental rights or other permanent placement of the child away from the parent;

"(4) if the local social services agency files a petition alleging that the child is in need of protection or services or a petition seeking the termination of parental rights or other permanent placement of the child away from the parent, the parent would have the right to appointment of separate legal counsel and the child would have a right to the appointment of counsel and a guardian ad litem as provided by law, and that counsel will be appointed at public expense if they are unable to afford counsel; and

"(5) the timelines and procedures for review of voluntary placements under subdivision 3, and the effect the time spent in voluntary placement on the scheduling of a permanent placement determination hearing under section 260C.201, subdivision 11.

"Subd. 5. Relative search; nature. (a) As soon as possible, but in any event within six months after a child is initially placed in a residential facility, the local social services agency shall identify any relatives of the child and notify them of the need for a foster care home for the child and of the possibility of the need for a permanent out-of-home placement of the child. Relatives should also be notified that a decision not to be a placement resource at the beginning of the case may affect the relative being considered for placement of the child with that relative later. The relatives must be notified that they must keep the local social services agency informed of their current address in order to receive notice that a permanent placement is being sought for the child. A relative who fails to provide a current address to the local social services agency forfeits the right to notice of the possibility of permanent placement. If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information sufficient to identify relatives of the child, the agency shall determine whether the parent's refusal is in the child's best interests. If the agency determines the parent's refusal is not in the child's best interests, the agency shall file a petition under section 260B.141 or 260C.141, and shall ask the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information.

"(b) Unless required under the Indian Child Welfare Act or relieved of this duty by the court because the child is placed with an appropriate relative who wishes to provide a permanent home for the child or the child is placed with a foster home that has committed to being the permanent legal placement for the child and the responsible social services agency approves of that foster home for permanent placement of the child, when the agency determines that it is necessary to prepare for the permanent placement determination hearing, or in anticipation of filing a termination of parental rights petition, the agency shall send notice to the relatives, any adult with whom the child is currently residing, any adult with whom the child has resided for one year or longer in the past, and any adults who have maintained a relationship or exercised visitation with the child as identified in the agency case plan. The notice must state that a permanent home is sought for the child and that the individuals receiving the notice may indicate to the agency their interest in providing a permanent home. The notice must state that within 30 days of receipt of the notice an individual receiving the notice must indicate to the agency the individual's interest in providing a permanent home for the child or that the individual may lose the opportunity to be considered for a permanent placement. This notice need not be sent if the child is placed with an appropriate relative who wishes to provide a permanent home for the child."

"Subd. 7. Six-month review of placements. There shall be an administrative review of the case plan of each child placed in a residential facility no later than 180 days after the initial placement of the child in a residential facility and at least every six months thereafter if the child is not returned to the home of the parent or parents within that time. The case plan must be monitored and updated at each administrative review. As an alternative to the administrative review, the social services agency responsible for the placement may bring a petition as provided in section 260C.141, subdivision 2, to the court for review of the foster care to determine if placement is in the best interests of the child. This petition must be brought to the court within the applicable six months and is not in lieu of the requirements contained in subdivision 3 or 4. A court review conducted pursuant to section 260C.201, subdivision 11, shall satisfy the requirement for an administrative review so long as the other requirements of this section are met.

"Subd. 8. Review of voluntary placements. Except as provided in subdivision 4, if the child has been placed in a residential facility pursuant to a voluntary release by the parent or parents, and is not returned home within 90 days after initial placement in the residential facility, the social services agency responsible for the placement shall:

"(1) return the child to the home of the parent or parents; or

"(2) file a petition according to section 260C.141, subdivision 1, which may:

"(i) ask the court to review the placement and approve it for up to an additional 90 days;

"(ii) ask the court to order continued out-of-home placement according to sections 260B.178, 260C.178, and 260C.201; or

"(iii) ask the court to terminate parental rights under section 260C.301.

"The case plan must be updated when a petition is filed and must include a specific plan for permanency, which may include a time line for returning the child home or a plan for permanent placement of the child away from the parent, or both.

"If the court approves continued out-of-home placement for up to 90 more days, at the end of the court-approved 90-day period, the child must be returned to the parent's home. If the child is not returned home, the responsible social services agency must proceed on the petition filed alleging the child in need of protection or services or the petition for termination of parental rights. The court must find a statutory basis to order the placement of the child under section 260B.178; 260C.178; 260C.201; or 260C.317.

"Subd. 9. Review of developmentally disabled and emotionally handicapped child placements. If a developmentally disabled child, as that term is defined in United States Code, title 42, section 6001(7), as amended through December 31, 1979, or a child diagnosed with an emotional handicap as defined in section 252.27, subdivision 1a, has been placed in a residential facility pursuant to a voluntary release by the child's parent or parents because of the child's handicapping conditions or need for long-term residential treatment or supervision, the social services agency responsible for the placement shall bring a petition for review of the child's foster care status, pursuant to section 260C.141, subdivision 2, after the child has been in placement for six months. If a child is in placement due solely to the child's handicapping condition and custody of the child is not transferred to the responsible social services agency under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), no petition is required by section 260C.201, subdivision 11. Whenever a petition for review is brought pursuant to this subdivision, a guardian ad litem shall be appointed for the child."

Laws 2001 c. 178, art. 1, § 44, par. (b), directed the revisor of statutes to renumber definitions in § 260C.007, putting the terms in alphabetical order, and to change affected text cross-references accordingly.

Laws 2002, c. 290, § 2, in subd. 1, par. (c)(6)(vi), substituted "the child's known medical problems, including any known communicable diseases, as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2" for "the child's known medical problems".

Laws 2004, c. 288, art. 3, § 30, in subd. 5, rewrote pars. (a) and (b), and added par. (e), relating to the development of a best practices guide and specialized staff training. Prior to revision, subd. 5, pars. (a) and (b), read:

"(a) In implementing the requirement that the responsible social services agency must consider placement with a relative under subdivision 2 as soon as possible after identifying the need for placement of the child in foster care, the responsible social services agency shall identify relatives of the child and notify them of the need for a foster care home for the child and of the possibility of the need for a permanent out-of-home placement of the child. The relative search required by this section shall be reasonable in scope and may last up to six months or until a fit and willing relative is identified. Relatives should be notified that a decision not to be a placement resource at the beginning of the case may affect the relative being considered for placement of the child with that relative later. The relatives must be notified that they must keep the responsible social services agency informed of their current address in order to receive notice that a permanent placement is being sought for the child. A relative who fails to provide a current address to the responsible social services agency forfeits the right to notice of the possibility of permanent placement.

"(b) A responsible social services agency may disclose private or confidential data, as defined in section 13.02, to relatives of the child for the purpose of locating a suitable placement. The agency shall disclose only data that is necessary to facilitate possible placement with relatives. If the child's parent refuses to give the responsible social services agency information sufficient to identify relatives of the child, the agency shall determine whether the parent's refusal is in the child's best interests. If the agency determines the parent's refusal is not in the child's best interests, the agency shall file a petition under section 260C.141, and shall ask the juvenile court to order the parent to provide the necessary information. If a parent makes an explicit request that relatives or a specific relative not be contacted or considered for placement, the agency shall bring the parent's request to the attention of the court to determine whether the parent's request is consistent with the best interests of the child and the agency shall not contact relatives or a specific relative unless authorized to do so by the juvenile court."

Laws 2005, c. 56, § 1, directed the revisor of statutes to change the terminology for mentally retarded, mental retardation, physically handicapped, and similar terms wherever they appear in Minnesota Statutes.

Laws 2005, c. 98, art. 3, § 21, in subd. 12, deleted the last sentence, relating to the application of Minnesota Rules parts 9550.0070 to 9550.0092.

Laws 2005, c. 136, art. 15, § 7, in subd. 4, rewrote par. (a), which formerly read:

"(a) When a child is in placement, the responsible social services agency shall make diligent efforts to identify, locate, and, where appropriate, offer services to both parents of the child.

"(1) If a noncustodial or nonadjudicated parent is willing and capable of providing for the day-to-day care of the child the responsible social services agency may seek authority from the custodial parent or the court to have that parent assume day-to-day care of the child. If a parent is not an adjudicated parent, the responsible social services agency shall require the nonadjudicated parent to cooperate with paternity establishment procedures as part of the case plan.

"(2) If, after assessment, the responsible social services agency determines that the child cannot be in the day-to-day care of either parent, the agency shall prepare an out-of-home placement plan addressing the conditions that each parent must meet before the child can be in that parent's day-to-day care.

"(3) If, after the provision of services following an out-of-home placement plan under this section, the child cannot return to the care of the parent from whom the child was removed or who had legal custody at the time the child was placed in foster care, the agency may petition on behalf of a noncustodial parent to establish legal custody with that parent under section 260C.201, subdivision 11. If paternity has not already been established, it may be established in the same proceeding in the manner provided for under chapter 257.

"(4) The responsible social services agency may be relieved of the requirement to locate and offer services to both parents by the juvenile court upon a finding of good cause after the filing of a petition under section 260C.141."

Laws 2005, c. 165, art. 2, § 6, in subd. 1, par. (b), inserted a sentence, and added par. (c), cl. (9), both relating to a child in placement due solely or in part to the child's emotional disturbance.

2011 Electronic Update                                                          

2007 Legislation

Laws 2007, c. 147, art. 1, §§ 19 to 21, in subd. 1, in par. (c), in cl. (6), inserted the second sentence, providing that, at a minimum, the documentation must include child-specific recruitment efforts such as relative search and the use of state, regional, and national adoption exchanges to facilitate orderly and timely placements in and outside of the state, and in cl. (7), deleted "to the extent available and accessible," preceding "health" and added "the most recent information available regarding" to the end, and in par. (d), added the third paragraph, relating to a discharge from foster care; in subd. 4, added par. (e), relating to a child leaving foster care by reason of attaining the age of majority; and, in subd. 9, inserted par. (a), relating to the placement of developmentally disabled or emotionally disturbed children, redesignated former pars. (a) to (c) as pars. (b) to (d), respectively, and in par. (c), deleted "and" preceding both "the court finds compelling" and "no petition", and inserted "and" preceding "custody of the child".

Laws 2007, c. 147, art. 3, § 30, in subd. 2, added par. (e), requiring the completion of a background study before the approval of a foster placement in a related or unrelated home.

2008 Legislation

Laws 2008, c. 361, art. 6, §§ 37 to 41, in subd. 1, rewrote par. (a), in par. (b), substituted "voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D" for "placement due solely or in part to the child's emotional disturbance", and in par. (c), in cl. (5), substituted "foster care" for "the residential facility" in two places, and in cl. (9), substituted "voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D" for "placement due solely or in part to the child's emotional disturbance"; in subd. 4, in par. (a), substituted "foster care" for "placement", in par. (b), in the introductory fragment, substituted "notice to the parent or guardian of each child in foster care, other than a child in voluntary foster care for treatment under chapter 260D" for "notice to the parent or parents or guardian of each child in a residential facility, other than a child in placement due solely to that child's developmental disability or emotional disturbance", in cl. (1), substituted "that the child's placement in foster care" for "that residential care of the child", and in cl. (8), substituted "foster care" for "the residential facility", in par. (c), substituted "child under subdivision 8" for "child who is not developmentally disabled or emotionally disturbed", and in par. (e), added "Whether under state guardianship or not" to the beginning and substituted "child's social and medical history, as defined in section 259.43" for "child's health"; added subd. 4a, relating to monthly caseworker visits with children in foster care; and rewrote subds. 7 and 8. Prior to revision, subd. 1, par. (a), and subds. 7 and 8 read:

"Subdivision 1. Out-of-home placement; plan. (a) An out-of-home placement plan shall be prepared within 30 days after any child is placed in a residential facility by court order or by the voluntary release of the child by the parent or parents.

"For purposes of this section, a residential facility means any group home, family foster home or other publicly supported out-of-home residential facility, including any out-of-home residential facility under contract with the state, county or other political subdivision, or any agency thereof, to provide those services or foster care as defined in section 260C.007, subdivision 18."

"Subd. 7. Administrative or court review of placements. (a) There shall be an administrative review of the out-of-home placement plan of each child placed in a residential facility no later than 180 days after the initial placement of the child in a residential facility and at least every six months thereafter if the child is not returned to the home of the parent or parents within that time. The out-of-home placement plan must be monitored and updated at each administrative review. As an alternative to the administrative review, the social services agency responsible for the placement may bring a petition as provided in section 260C.141, subdivision 2, to the court for review of the foster care to determine if placement is in the best interests of the child. This petition must be brought to the court in order for a court determination to be made regarding the best interests of the child within the applicable six months and is not in lieu of the requirements contained in subdivision 3 or 4. A court review conducted pursuant to section 260C.201, subdivision 11, or section 260C.141, subdivision 2, shall satisfy the requirement for an administrative review so long as the other requirements of this section are met.

"(b) At the review required under paragraph (a), the reviewing administrative body or the court shall review:

"(1) the safety of the child;

"(2) the continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the placement;

"(3) the extent of compliance with the out-of-home placement plan;

"(4) where appropriate, the extent of progress which has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement in a residential facility;

"(5) where appropriate, the projected date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the home or placed permanently away from the care of the parent or parents or guardian; and

"(6) the appropriateness of the services provided to the child.

"Subd. 8. Review of voluntary placements. Except for a child in placement due solely to the child's developmental disability or emotional disturbance, if the child has been placed in a residential facility pursuant to a voluntary release by the parent or parents, and is not returned home within 90 days after initial placement in the residential facility, the social services agency responsible for the placement shall:

"(1) return the child to the home of the parent or parents; or

"(2) file a petition according to section 260C.141, subdivision 1 or 2, which may:

"(i) ask the court to review the placement and approve it for up to an additional 90 days;

"(ii) ask the court to order continued out-of-home placement according to sections 260C.178 and 260C.201; or

"(iii) ask the court to terminate parental rights under section 260C.301.

"The out-of-home placement plan must be updated and filed along with the petition.

"If the court approves continued out-of-home placement for up to 90 more days, at the end of the court-approved 90-day period, the child must be returned to the parent's home. If the child is not returned home, the responsible social services agency must proceed on the petition filed alleging the child in need of protection or services or the petition for termination of parental rights or other permanent placement of the child away from the parent. The court must find a statutory basis to order the placement of the child under section 260C.178; 260C.201; or 260C.317."

Laws 2008, c. 361, art. 6, § 59, par. (c) repealed subd. 9, relating to the review of a placement of a developmentally disabled or emotionally disturbed child in a residential facility pursuant to a voluntary release by the child's parent or parents because of the child's disabling conditions or need for long-term residential treatment or supervision.

2009 Legislation

Laws 2009, c. 106, § 1, in subd. 7, added par. (e).

Laws 2009, c. 163, art. 1, §§ 5 and 6, in subd. 4, par. (a), cl. (2), item (ii), deleted "as well as the notice provided in section 260C.209, subdivision 4," preceding "and the court shall afford"; and in subd. 7, par. (d), cl. (1), corrected a statute reference.

Laws 2009, c. 163, art. 2, §§ 31 to 35, in subd. 1, par. (c), inserted cls. (7), (9), and (10), rewrote former cl. (7) and renumbered it as cl. (8), and renumbered former cls. (8) and (9) as cls. (11) and (12); in subd. 2, rewrote par. (d); in subd. 4a, added ", including whether the child is enrolled and attending school as required by law" to the end of par. (b); in subd. 5, rewrote par. (a); and in subd. 7, added par. (e). Prior to revision, subd. 1, par. (c), cl. (7); subd. 2, par. (d); and subd. 5, par. (a), read:

"[Subdivision 1. (c)] (7) the health and educational records of the child including the most recent information available regarding:

"(i) the names and addresses of the child's health and educational providers;

"(ii) the child's grade level performance;

"(iii) the child's school record;

"(iv) assurances that the child's placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement;

"(v) a record of the child's immunizations;

"(vi) the child's known medical problems, including any known communicable diseases, as defined in section 144.4172, subdivision 2;

"(vii) the child's medications; and

"(viii) any other relevant health and education information;"

"[Subd. 2.] (d) Siblings should be placed together for foster care and adoption at the earliest possible time unless it is determined not to be in the best interests of a sibling or unless it is not possible after appropriate efforts by the responsible social services agency."

"Subd. 5. Relative search.  (a) In implementing the requirement that the responsible social services agency must consider placement with a relative under subdivision 2 without delay after identifying the need for placement of the child in foster care, the responsible social services agency shall identify relatives of the child and notify them of the need for a foster care home for the child and of the possibility of the need for a permanent out-of-home placement of the child.   The relative search required by this section shall be reasonable and comprehensive in scope and may last up to six months or until a fit and willing relative is identified.  The relative search required by this section shall include both maternal relatives of the child and paternal relatives of the child, if paternity is adjudicated.  The relatives must be notified that they must keep the responsible social services agency informed of their current address in order to receive notice that a permanent placement is being sought for the child.  A relative who fails to provide a current address to the responsible social services agency forfeits the right to notice of the possibility of permanent placement.  A decision by a relative not to be a placement resource at the beginning of the case shall not affect whether the relative is considered for placement of the child with that relative later."

Laws 2009, c. 174, art. 1, §§ 8 and 9, in subd. 4a, in par. (a), in the first sentence, inserted ", or another person who has responsibility for visitation of the child" preceding "on a monthly basis"; and in subd. 11, deleted the first sentence, which directed the commissioner to revise Minnesota Rules, parts 9545.0010 to 9545.0260, and in the second sentence, added cl. (3).

2010 Legislation

Laws 2010, c. 269, art. 3, § 7, in subd. 7, in par. (d), in the first sentence, deleted "paragraph (d), clause (3), item (iii);" following "under section 260C.201, subdivision 11,".

Laws 2010, c. 301, art. 3, § 8, in subd. 7, in par. (d), in cl. (1), substituted "under section 260C.456 or Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0660" for "under Minnesota Rules, part 9560.0060", and in cl. (2), in the introductory fragment, substituted "Consistent with the requirements of the independent living plan, the court shall review progress" for "The court shall make findings regarding progress".

Laws 2010, c. 382, § 52, in subd. 7, in par. (b), in the last sentence, substituted "260C.141, subdivision 2; 260C.317; or section 260D.06 shall satisfy" for "260C.141, subdivision 2 or 2a, clause (2); or 260C.317 shall satisfy", and in par. (d), in cl. (1), substituted "part 9560.0660" for "part 9560.0060".

Laws 2010, c. 382, § 85, provided that any amendments or repeals enacted in the 2010 session of the legislature to sections also amended or repealed in this act supersede the amendments or repeals in this act, regardless of order of enactment. Laws 2010, c. 269, art. 3, § 7, Laws 301, art. 3, § 8, and Laws 2010, c. 382, § 52, each amended subd. 7; all changes were merged without conflict.

M. S. A. § 260C.212, MN ST § 260C.212

Current with laws of the 2011 Regular Session through Chapter 19